| The
special little ship was built by the Southampton Steam Joinery
Company in 1941 and was based at Portland from 1942 until 1944
before being transferred to Kirkwall, where she was deployed
on anti-submarine target duties.
Later that year, she
was transferred to the 69th ML Flotilla based in Felixstowe
and sold off during 1947. During her time in service, she sustained
some war damage, when a detonator explosion blew a large hole
in her side.
The boat is currently
undergoing a 35,000 refit in Polruan, Cornwall before returning
to Torbay where she will be renamed the Fairmile.
14 people are working
around the clock to restore her to her former glory. Wherever
possible the original features have been kept, while the bulkheads
are being replaced using the same techniques that would have
been employed by the skilled shipwrights of 60-years ago.
The ship's saloon is
being treated to an art-deco-style makeover with a snappy black
and white colour scheme and has been named Churchill's in recognition
of the former Prime Minister Winston Churchill. He was the First
Lord of the Admiralty when the vessel was in commission during
World War II.
The boat is also set
to display Churchill memorabilia, while the new owners will
also be creating interpretation boards detailing the vessel's
history and the service it has seen.
Will Ford, Ferry Company
Director said: "We intend to open the whole of the vessel,
apart from the engine room, for passengers to enjoy. This will
include the bridge, the chartroom, mess area and the forward
and aft peaks. This will give them the chance to experience
what will be in effect a floating museum as she travels along
her new route.
"This is obviously
a very special vessel and the last one on active service for
passengers, so it's only right passengers enjoy a small piece
of our history as the vessel is an attraction in her own right."
The Fairmile will return
to service from 1st August 2009 operating in
Torbay and on the River Dart. |
